A lakefront home is a beautiful and relaxing place to watch the seasons sweep over a serene body of water. As your view makes the transition from summer’s greens to the reds and oranges of fall, it is time to get your lakefront property ready for the upcoming winter. Here are four steps to doing that.
Check Water Drainage
One characteristic shared by most lakefront property is the type of road access they have. Your property may be situated at the end of a long lane off a rural road, both of which could cause problems for wintertime access. Professionals, like The Stockton Team: Keller Williams Showcase, know that during a late summer rain, check your roads for areas of pooling and poor drainage. They will ice up and prove treacherous as temperatures drop.
Disconnect Hoses
A common plumbing mistake made in all types of home as well as in businesses is failing to disconnect garden hoses before temperatures get below freezing. The water trapped by the hose can freeze and cause the spigot to burst. Disconnect hoses so that the spigot can drain out. If it’s not a frost-proof spigot, properly winterize it to prevent freezing. Insulation kits are available at most discount and big-box stores. They’re easy to use and can save you a lot of trouble.
Plan for Heat
The winter ahead may be long and cold, so whether you will be staying there or returning to a primary home, your first concern at your lakefront property should be heat. Loss of heat can lead to all sorts of damage to plumbing, windows, and more. Make sure you have a backup like a wood stove if your primary heat uses public utilities. There could be power outages or equipment failures that leave your house in the cold. Consider smart home features that will allow you to monitor temperatures while you’re away.
Remove Problematic Trees & Limbs
There is nothing more picturesque than evergreens sagging with the weight of a wet snowfall, but those trees can cause problems. Limbs and even entire trees can come crashing down onto your buildings, vehicles, or roads, leading to lots of headaches and expense. Remove any low-hanging limbs and consider cutting trees that are too close to buildings and roads or simply look old and fragile.
Like any other home, lakefront property takes some attention and maintenance as each season changes. Following good plans for winter preparation will ensure that your property is accessible, safe, and in good condition all winter long.
Author Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700
